** Toothpaste maker Colgate-Palmolive CL.N forecast annual sales above Wall Street estimates on Friday, benefiting from steady demand for essential household staples in markets such as Latin America and Europe

** Stock has "buy" rating on average from 22 analysts; median PT is $94, an upside of 4.1% to last close - data compiled by LSEG

SITTING PRETTY

** TD Cowen ("buy," PT: $96) expects improvement driven by stronger momentum in Latin America, a favorable comparison after a past recall, reduced pressure from exiting private-label pet products, better trends in India and the timing of the Chinese New Year

** Jefferies ("hold," PT: $91) says comparisons are easing, inventory is in better shape, productivity is improving and foreign-exchange movements are providing a tailwind

** BofA Global Research ("buy," PO: $100) sees a path to stronger organic sales through the year, helped by easier comparisons as certain programs cycle, such as pet food business Hill’s exit from private-label, and by emerging markets outperforming ones

** Morningstar (fair value: $87) expects Colgate to spend roughly the same share of sales on research and development and marketing over the next decade

(Reporting by Akriti Shah in Bengaluru)

((akriti.shah@thomsonreuters.com))